Lakes and Beaches – Splash, Swim, and Play

Summer is coming. Sometimes in the Puget Sound June is a bit cold and dreary, but then one day nature will flip a switch and BAM it will be summer. Be prepared so you don’t lose time when that switch gets flipped. Here are some great places to go when the sun comes out and it warms up.

Lake Washington Beaches

Juanita Beach Park

I think people in Kirkland would be offended if I didn’t list Juanita Beach Park first. This is an iconic beach park north of downtown Kirkland . It features a sandy beach, an enclosed swim area, fields, playground, picnic tables and grills, beach volleyball, and a fishing area. (Click here for official site)

Newcastle Beach Park

Perfect for kids, this beach park is flat and sandy. Featuring a large open space and a playground, it is easy to keep an eye on little ones from your beach blanket on the shore. It can get crowded in the summer so carpool with friends. (Official site)

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

It is easy to spend the entire day at this lovely park. It has a huge playground with a third climbing level and lots of swings. There is a sand beach, an enclosed swimming area, and lots of space for picnicking. There are sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and field space. There are trails for walking along the water and a trail that leads over a bridge to a little natural area that my kids like to call “duck island”. There are restaurants in the park and a boat launch. (Official site)

Meydenbauer Bay Park

This is the only park on the list that I haven’t been to yet – and I will change that this summer! Newly opened this park features a play area, swim area, pedestrian pier. Kayaks, SUPs, and canoes are available for rent at the park through REI. (Official site)

Smaller Lake Washington Beach Parks

If you are looking to avoid crowds here are some smaller beach parks along Lake Washington you can check out:

• Kennydale Beach Park – Renton
• Chism Beach Park – Bellevue
• Waverly Beach Park – Kirkland
• Houghton Beach Park – Kirkland
• Enatai Beach Park – Bellevue

Lake Wilderness

Located in Maple Valley, Lake Wilderness is a great escape from the city. This lake is surrounded by lush forest and it is gorgeous on a hot day. The sandy beach can get crowded, but the grass area is huge so there is plenty of room for blankets and chairs. There is a big swimming area and this is a great place to let kids try out kayak, canoes, or floats. (Official site)

Lake Sammamish State Park

I adore Lake Sammamish State Park. It is a huge state park with two beaches, trails, a fantastic playground, and rentals. You need a discover pass or you can pay a daily parking fee. This state park hosts lots of events such as an AVP tournament, 5K Bubble Run, and American Ninja Kids Course. If you are going on a weekend it is a good idea to check to see what events are taking place that day. This lake is also extremely popular for boats and jet skis. (Official site)

Rattlesnake Lake

To get to Rattlesnake Lake take exit 32 off I-90 and head south up a winding road. The lake is next to a very popular trailhead and the parking lot will get full on perfect weather days. This is a very undeveloped recreational area. There are bathrooms and that is it. The beach is rocky not sandy so bring chairs. This is a great place for swimming, floating, and paddleboarding. There are also lots of trees and rocks that older kids enjoy swimming to and jumping from. Surrounded by mountains, this is a very natural place and it is gorgeous at sunset. (Official site)

Other great lakes…

If you don’t want a beach but just need a place to SUP check out Beaver Lake, Pine Lake, Lake Alice.

If you want to get farther away from the city check out Lake Nolte or Lake Easton State Park.